Alan Turing was highly influential in the development of theoretical computer science. His Turing machine, is considered a model of a general purpose computer and Turing is considered the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. He worked for Britain’s codebreaking center at Bletchley Park during the Second World War and while at Bletchley devised a number of techniques for speeding the breaking of German ciphers, including improving an electromechanical machine that was capable of finding settings for the Enigma machine. Turing played a pivotal role in cracking intercepted coded messages that enabled the Allies to defeat the Nazis in many crucial engagements, and in doing so helped win the war.

The Enigma Machine

Prosecuted in 1952 for homosexual acts Turing accepted chemical castration treatment, with DES, as an alternative to prison. He died in 1954, 16 days before his 42nd birthday, from cyanide poisoning. In 2009, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made an official public apology on behalf of the British government for “the appalling way he was treated.” Queen Elizabeth II granted him a posthumous pardon in 2013.

While the above paragraphs outline the brief details of a brilliant and complicated man. Hugh Whitemore’s play Breaking the Code, seeks to reveal the human being behind the brilliance and the tragedy of that life. This Thursday, November 2 at 8pm, Performing Arts of Woodstock will preview its production of Breaking the Code. Regular Performances will begin this weekend on Friday November 3 at 8pm, and continue for the next three weekends. [performance dates & time listed below]